Vintage & Collectible Pens

The earliest pens were nothing but simple bird quills, dipped in ink. Writing was cumbersome and awkward, and a pen wipe was needed to help control the mess.

When the earliest pen makers realized that the hollow core of the quill could be used to hold ink, it was a major advancement in pen technology.

Eventually, fountain pens were developed with self-filling ink reservoirs. Better nibs provided for smoother writing. And Louis Waterman dedicated himself to creating a fountain pen that didn't leak.

It was not until the mid-1900s that ballpoint pens overtook fountain pens in popularity. Now collectors can buy all kinds of old pens, pen stands, inkwells and other antique writing accessories on sale here every day!